Pallotta and Underwood auto deal gives trade-in new meaning

Published: September 12, 2004 12:00AM

By NAOMI SNYDER
Staff Writer
WOOSTER Automobile dealership owners Mike Pallotta and Tom Underwood have taken trading to the next level by rearranging the product lines each offer.
The transformation began last week with the end result being Underwood Motors at 2626 Cleveland Road and Pallotta Ford-Lincoln-Mercury at 4199 Cleveland Road.
Pallotta previously owned two dealerships, one offering Chrysler-Jeep products at 544 E. Liberty St. The other dealership was Pallotta Ford Inc.
Underwood owned a Lincoln-Mercury-Dodge facility.
"This is something we've discussed over the past few years, and it's natural because of what manufacturers are doing," Pallotta said.
"We think it's a really good move to help serve customers in the area better," Underwood said.
What the move has done is meld the product lines of Ford in one facility and DaimlerChrysler's in another.
"If you focus on one line, you can do a better job, so when the customer comes in, they can feel better about the servicing they're receiving," Underwood said.
Pallotta agreed, mentioning an easier training load for his employees and convenience for his customers.
"Employees can specialize in training in one line of vehicles," Pallotta said. "For our customers, it's one-stop shopping."
Pallotta's previous Chrysler-Jeep facility will now offer used cars and eventually house a Pennzoil Lube Center.
Business Editor and health reporter Naomi Snyder can be reached at (330) 287-1623 or e-mail nsnyder@the-daily-record.com.